The Indian Army is about to make an emergency purchase of 240 Spike anti-tank missiles and 10 launchers from Rafael. The value of this acquisition is expected to be in the tens of millions of dollars. The Army had initially wanted to make a much larger purchase, and had negotiated an agreement valued at nearly $0.5 billion. However, India’s Minister of Defense wanted to develop a locally produced missile, which is still under development. Nevertheless, the Army concluded that due to rising tensions with Pakistan, it needs missiles immediately. India’s Army has the ability to authorize spending of up to $2 billion a year, without the approval of the Ministry of Defense. Rafael is expected to deliver the missiles in the next few months.
